“I have friends in my life. I can speak to people and I value them a lot more."

Simon was a 27-year-old postman, living in a Bradford bedsit, when he was attacked by Jackson in 1996.

Simon believes the love and security of his close-knit family gave him strength to endure the aftermath of the attack, even though for several years he dared not tell relatives the truth.

He said: “I went from a Sunday league football player to a drug addict. I used everything I could find to dull the pain.

“I lost my job and my relationship. I wanted to destroy my friendships. I got myself involved in petty crime.”

A spell in prison in 2003 prompted Simon’s first attempt to change his life – training as an electrician – but he felt he could not truly find closure while Jackson remained free.

Simon praised the “fantastic” police team, led by Supt Lisa Griffin, who interviewed him during the complex investigation into Jackson’s crimes and supported him throughout the prosecution.

After the court case Simon felt needed to move out of Bradford, so he lived in Bracken Bank, Burley in Wharfedale and most recently Haworth.

Simon said he had mentored a teenage abuse victim in Keighley, and was proud to see him recently start college and decide to get engaged. He had also advised a police officer about the best way to talk to a man who had been sexually assaulted.

Simon added: “I’ve had about 20 calls from people since Rolf Harris case – survivors, people who have been told I will help.

“My advice to anyone who’s been attacked or abused is: tell the police, they will help.

“You’ll feel a hell of a lot better. You can’t change the past but you can get a future for yourself.”